How to Find the Mattress Topper Best For You

A mattress topper can be the quickest and most convenient method of upgrading your mattress. The most popular materials include memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.

A memory foam mattress is perfect for mattresses that are sagging or beds with too high bounce. It is shaped to fit your body shape, providing support for back pain and pressure relief.

Comfort

If your mattress is too firm, a mattress topper can soften it. It can also offer more support and help ease back pain by adjusting to the body's shape. A memory foam topper can relieve pressure points while toppers made of latex offer more bounce and breathability than polyurethane options.

The firmness of a topper is determined by the material it is made of, your weight, your sleeping position, and personal preferences. Typically, a side sleeper prefers a soft topper, whereas back and stomach sleepers prefer a medium to firm option. The thickness of the topper can impact its comfort: Although heavier toppers offer more cushioning, they may not be as pliable to your single bed mattress topper and can cause a sloppy feel.

The best mattress toppers for most people are made from a durable, soft material that is backed by a solid warranty. It must also be breathable and hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals like the fire retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A topper can be machine-washed to keep it fresh and clean.

Testers at GH evaluate toppers on their ease of use, temperature regulation and how it alters the feel of their current mattresses. We also ask whether the topper stays in place, if it makes any noise, and how much more comfortable they sleep.

The Saatva topper at the top of our list has a great customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5 (as of May 2023) and is available in a queen size. It's designed with a two-inch layer of bouncy open-cell foam to contour to your body and react to motion, offering support while keeping you cool.

An alternative that is less expensive is the Turmerry organic topper, which has three inches of breathable natural material and comes in either a firm or soft option. It's an excellent option for those with sagging beds, innerspring mattresses with too many bounce or couples who want to reduce the feeling of motion transfer.

Another option that is popular is the GOTS certified mattress toppers single bed topper from Linenspa. It has a four-inch layer of breathable, temperature-regulating wool with a cotton cover and comes in a medium or firm option. The GOTS certification signifies that the topper is constructed of organic materials and is free of synthetic dyes or chemicals.

Support

A mattress topper is an additional thick layer that is placed on top of your existing bed. It secures to your mattress with elastic straps or a skirt that is stretchy and ranges in thickness ranging from two to four inches. Mattress protectors are covers that shield your orthopedic mattress topper from spills, allergens and bed bugs.

The top mattress covers can improve your sleep and help to avoid pain and aches that are caused by an old or less comfortable mattress. They can also improve the mattress's weight or even make a mattress more comfortable by adding the right amount of softness and support as well as temperature control.

There are many kinds of mattress toppers, such as memory foam, gel, latex and down. If you're looking to improve the alignment of your spine, choose a memory-foam topper. It will provide cushioning and contour. A memory foam topper infused with gel will help to reduce heat retention. This is a great option for those who suffer from night sweats or are hot sleepers.

A memory foam topper can help you maintain your spine's alignment by reducing the pressure on sensitive areas. If you are struggling with back pain, a topper that is infused with copper can reduce swelling and inflammation, and can also help reduce pain caused by pressure points.

A mattress cover made of natural fibers, like wool or cotton, can aid in sleeping cooler and more comfortably. Wool is breathable, wicks away moisture, and it's also durable and moldable. It's often blended with down for added comfort. This mattress topper from Parachute, for example, includes a mix of durable and resilient latex with temperature-regulating wool.

A down mattress topper is ideal for those who want the softness of a mattress. Select a mattress topper that is made of feathers and down. This will give you a luxurious texture. This Brooklyn Bedding topper is a excellent choice, since it is available in a firm option for those who require more support and durability and plush for those who prefer cloud-like softness. It's covered by a five-year warranty and offers a generous trial period and free shipping.

Temperature Control

If you have a memory foam mattress, you can improve your comfort level by using this topper that is both cooling and cushioning. It's filled with gel that's ventilated by holes. This makes it more breathable, and helps it dissipate the heat while you sleep. It comes with bamboo-covered mattresses that are soft, moisture-resistant and wicking. This keeps you cool while you sleep.

It's available in a variety of thicknesses to suit your preference and is covered by 10 years of warranty. The topper is available in a Luxury firm option, which is similar to a medium or a 7/10. Both are made in America and include a 100-night trial.

Foam and latex are both breathable materials, making them an excellent choice for sleepers who are hot. However some toppers made of latex and memory foam can trap body heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people. Make sure you choose cooling components like this Nolah model. It uses the company's signature foam as well as quilted covers with cooling fibers to keep you cool as you sleep. It also provides a zoned, padded support for your head, shoulders the torso, hips, and legs.

Another method to ensure an unbeatable night's sleep is to use mattress protectors. They slide over the mattress and shield it from allergens, spills, bugs, dust mites and more. This one comes with an open zipper and is machine washable, making it easy to clean and to remove.

The majority of people have a preferred sleeping position and if you prefer sleeping on your stomach or back you'll need a mattress that offers a lot of support. A mattress that is too firm mattress topper for back pain could cause you to hunch over and cause back or neck pain. The extra comfort is provided by softer foam and toppers that are made of down or alternative down. The Parachute pillow, which was reviewed by Strategist contributor Lauren Levy, is made of soft foam and down-alternative toppers.

Breathability

A mattress topper is an excellent way to upgrade your mattress without costing you a fortune. With so many choices available, finding the right one for you is difficult. If your mattress is beginning to get sagging, you're suffering from back pain, or simply need to lessen the feeling of motion transfer from one person to the next, the correct topper can make a huge difference.

The kind of material used in the making of a topper is the biggest element in its feel and affects not only how comfortable you sleep, but also your back health. For instance, experts advise that side sleepers should use a soft topper while stomach or back sleepers require a firmer option.

You can narrow your options by weighing other factors like thickness and breathability. The toppers that are thicker may be more expensive, but they provide better support. They also have a better air-conditioned due to a larger surface area. Look for models that have baffle box construction. This prevents the clumping of the filling evenly dispersed (a important benefit for comfort).

For those who are hot at night, think about gel-infused memory foam which is designed to keep you cool as you sleep. You might also want to try a latex topper, which is extremely durable and springy. If you're looking to stay clear of any chemicals organic cotton or wool are good choices.

Even though a mattress topper doesn't have to be washed as often as your sheets, you should consider a mattress that is easy to clean and will be able to withstand repeated washings. Many of the options we examined have straps with elastic that bind them to your mattress, which makes it easier to remove and wash them. You'll also need a mattress topper that stays securely in place on the mattress especially when you're a hybrid sleeper who is prone to moving around a lot throughout the night.

The Brooklyn Bedding gel swirl memory foam mattress topper is a CertiPUR US and GREENGUARD Gold certified product that is durable and comfortable. It's a bit more expensive than the other models on our list, but it has received excellent reviews from customers and comes with 90 days of money-back guarantee.